Great Inventions Dreamed Up By Kids

Great Inventions Dreamed Up By Kids

They may be young, but their minds are stronger and smarter than you could ever believe!

With some of the greatest inventions in history dreamed up by kids, it begs the question do we really know the scientific potential of young minds?

Over the years, hundreds of innovative creations have been dreamed up by 5-18 year olds – many of which have withstood the test of time. From earmuffs (Chester Greenwood: age 15) to popsicles (Frank Epperson: age 11), we are continually seeing young minds unearth new and exciting scientific discoveries which help to shape the world around us. Here is one particular young mind which has shaped the childhood and even the career of many individuals around the world.

George Nissen (Age 16) – Trampoline

In 1930, at age 16, George Nissen came up with an idea that would revolutionise acrobatics: the trampoline. After seeing trapeze artists finish their routines by dropping into hanging safety nets, Nissen thought it would be even more exciting if they could somehow keep bouncing around. Using materials he found in a junkyard, Nissen turned to his parents’ garage into a workshop and got cracking. Nissen created the first trampoline by stretching canvas over a steel frame—perfecting it a few years later with his college gymnastics coach Larry Griswold by using nylon. Following his business degree at the University of Iowa, Nissen spent his life traveling the world doing trampoline demonstrations and promoting both his invention and the sport. Seventy years later, trampolining was named an Olympic sport, and at the age of 92, he could still do a headstand!